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Rectal Bleeding Symptoms

Rectal bleeding can be caused by several different medical conditions, some serious and others not as serious. The bleeding can be light, moderate or severe. In any instance, it is important to talk with your medical provider, as it can be a sign of a serious medical condition. In most instances, rectal bleeding is not severe and usually resolves itself quickly. Most medical interventions can be handled without hospitalization.

  1. Mild Rectal Bleed: Physical Symptoms

    • Rectal bleeding is first recognized as bright red blood that may or may not contain blood clots, along with the passage of stool. If the bleeding is mild, it may appear after wiping oneself. In other instances, the water in the toilet may appear pinkish, or having only a slight bloody tinge. Some common causes for mild rectal bleeding include hemorrhoids, a scratch on the rectum, or an anal fissure. Other than the minimal amount of blood noted, there are not any other symptoms associated with this type of rectal bleed.

    Moderate to Severe Rectal Bleed: Physical Symptoms

    • In cases of moderate to severe rectal bleeding, a person may pass several bright red blood clots frequently with each bowel movement. In some instances, the blood in a person's stool my look tarry, or even black looking. This is also a sign of a rectal bleed. The supposed bowel movement may only include blood and have a very strong smell.

    Moderate to Severe Rectal Bleed: Other Symptoms

    • If a person has a rectal bleed over a period of time, they may experience weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and near syncope as a result of the blood loss. If a moderate to severe rectal bleeds suspected, a person will generally get admitted to the hospital for further observations and to determine the location of the bleed. Rectal pain may also be present with a moderate to severe rectal bleed.

    Causes

    • There can be a variety of different causes for a rectal bleed. In many instances, hemorrhoids are the culprit for many mild rectal bleeds. Other medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, infection, tumors, polyps, an anal fissure, or diverticulitis are potential causes for moderate to severe rectal bleeds.

    Treatment

    • Mild rectal bleeds normally require little intervention. A trip to your health care provider can normally resolve any issue you may be having. If a person is suffering from a moderate to severe rectal bleed, they will be hospitalized, and a variety of different tests will be ran to the person to determine the source of the rectal bleed and if it is going to need repair. A colonoscopy and testing the stool for occult blood may be tests that will be ordered by your health care provider to investigate the rectal bleed further.

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